‘It’s a day that we celebrate their deeds on what they did, the ones who went overseas. We also celebrate the ones who didn’t come back,” said Jim Pratt, retired police officer and former member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

First Nation and Aboriginal veterans weren’t required to go to war, but that didn’t stop many from doing so.

“They loved their families and they wanted to do something for our great country. They went, they served, so this day is about celebrating them — our Elders acknowledge them, our families [and] our communities,” Pratt said.

Pratt said it was a chance to remember, not only First Nation and Aboriginal veterans, but all those who served Canada.

“It’s absolutely important. A lot of our veterans are no longer here. We used to have a long lineup of veterans and they’re now slowly passing away,” Pratt said.